Santa Barbara is a coastal city located in southern California, about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Known for its Mediterranean climate, Spanish architecture and natural beauty, Santa Barbara is a popular tourist destination as well as home to the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Population and Demographics
According to the Wikipedia page for Santa Barbara, the city has an estimated population of 91,350 as of 2019. Santa Barbara is the county seat of Santa Barbara County and is the largest city in the county.
The racial makeup of Santa Barbara is predominantly white, with whites making up 84.7% of the population. Hispanics and Latinos of any race make up 33.5% of the population. Other races represented include Asians (4.8%), African Americans (1.3%), Native Americans (0.4%) and Pacific Islanders (0.1%).
In terms of age, the median age in Santa Barbara is 36.8 years old. 22.1% of the population is under age 18, and 13.9% is age 65 or older.
The median household income in Santa Barbara is $76,038. About 9.5% of families live below the poverty line.
Economy and Major Employers
Santa Barbara has a strong and diverse economy. According to the City of Santa Barbara Economic Development Office, some of the major employers and industries in Santa Barbara include:
- Education – University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College
- Technology – Citrix, Procore, AppFolio, LogicMonitor
- Healthcare – Cottage Health, Sansum Clinic
- Government – County of Santa Barbara, City of Santa Barbara
- Finance – Rabobank
- Leisure and hospitality – Four Seasons Resort, Bacara Resort, Visit Santa Barbara
The City of Santa Barbara Facebook page regularly posts economic updates and job opportunities in the area.
Tourism
Tourism is a major industry in Santa Barbara. Some key attractions and sites include:
- Beaches – Popular beaches include East Beach, Leadbetter Beach, Butterfly Beach, and more. The long waterfront provides ample space for beachgoing, swimming, surfing and more.
- Stearns Wharf – This historic 1872 wharf features shops, restaurants, and views of the harbor and coastline.
- Santa Barbara Zoo – Home to nearly 600 animals on 30 acres.
- Mission Santa Barbara – Also known as the “Queen of the Missions,” this site was founded in 1786.
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden – 65 acres of gardens displaying California native plants.
The Visit Santa Barbara website provides additional tourism resources and recommendations for visitors.
Landmarks
Some of the most notable landmarks in Santa Barbara include:
- Santa Barbara County Courthouse – This beautiful Spanish-Moorish style building in downtown offers views from its clock tower.
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art – Founded in 1941, this art museum focuses on European and American art.
- Santa Barbara Maritime Museum – Highlights Santa Barbara’s maritime and naval history.
- Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum – Houses a collection of original manuscripts and documents.
- Santa Barbara Palace of the Governors – Adobes interpret the city’s history from 1700s to 1800s.
Sports
While Santa Barbara does not have any major professional sports teams, sports are still a popular part of the local culture. The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos compete in NCAA Division I sports including basketball, soccer, baseball, and more. Community members actively follow the teams and attend games.
Outdoor recreational activities like cycling, surfing, hiking, sailing, and more are also hugely popular thanks to the city’s idyllic climate and coastal setting.
Conclusion
With its Mediterranean climate, Spanish architecture, scenic coastline, and thriving cultural offerings, it’s easy to see why Santa Barbara is such a desirable place to live and visit. The city offers the perfect mix of small town charm and big city amenities. From its top-ranked university to its diverse economy and wealth of activities, Santa Barbara has something for everyone.